Red Mansion: Holding Space and Marrying Like the Sea

Lai Shangrong stared with bloodshot eyes and shouted hysterically: "Why do you want to hurt me? Why do you want to hurt me! I just want to live a life of luxury! How could this happen... Jia Min is already pregnant with my child, there is no way she would reject me? Impossible, absolutely impossible!" His voice became louder and louder, and finally turned into almost a scream, which made people feel creepy.

Jia Yucun and Leng Zixing exchanged a glance. They knew that Lai Shangrong had fallen into a frenzy and needed to be calmed down as soon as possible. So Leng Zixing picked up the teacup on the table and poured the tea into Lai Shangrong's face.

The cold tea splashed onto Lai Shangrong's face, sending a shiver down his spine. His consciousness gradually returned to normal. He wiped the water off his face with his hand, his eyes gradually shifting from frenzy to terror. After a moment, he finally came to his senses, realizing his recent misstep. He lowered his head, his body trembling slightly, as if he hadn't yet recovered from the fear.

Jia Yucun, with a look of concern, consoled him, "Brother Lai, don't worry! Don't worry, only Brother Leng and I know about your visit to the brothel, and it won't be spread out. Just go and find Miss Jia as you wish." Lai Shangrong was so moved that tears welled up in his eyes. He tightly grasped Jia Yucun's hand, thanking him profusely. Jia Yucun smiled slightly and patted him on the shoulder, telling him not to worry too much.

Jia Yucun was secretly delighted, remembering how, despite his profound knowledge as a Jinshi (Jinshi) scholar, he had failed to gain Lin Ruhai's favor and ultimately failed to stay with the family. He had always considered this a slight and insult from Lin Ruhai. Now, he finally had the chance to exact revenge on Lin Ruhai. "Thank you, Brother Jia! I'm deeply grateful! If I ever achieve great success in the future, I'll repay you with all my heart!" Lai Shangrong said, standing up.

Jia Yucun quickly helped him up and said with a smile, "We are all friends, why be so polite? However, Brother Lai, this matter requires further consideration. Jia Min is the eldest daughter of the Rongguo Mansion. If you want to marry her, I'm afraid you will have to put in some effort."

Lai Shangrong nodded repeatedly and said, "Brother Jia is absolutely right. I will definitely try my best to win Miss Jia's favor."

Jia Yucun's lips curled up slightly as he pondered something. He thought, "This is a great opportunity to use Lai Shangrong to achieve my own goals." So, he feigned concern and asked, "Brother Lai, do you have any plans? Perhaps I could offer some advice."

Lai Shangrong hurriedly said, "Brother Jia is very wise, I hope you can give me some advice. I am deeply in love with Miss Jia, but I don't know how to win her heart."

Jia Yucun pondered for a moment, then lowered his voice and said, "In my opinion, you can start with the people around her. For example, her maids and servants. As long as you please them, you can learn from them what Miss Jia likes and dislikes. Then, by catering to her preferences, you will naturally win her favor."

Lai Shangrong's eyes flickered with delight upon hearing this, and he excitedly exclaimed, "What a brilliant plan! Truly a brilliant one! Brother Jia, to be honest, my grandmother was a maidservant who came with Old Lady Jia as a dowry. The elders in the mansion know their masters' preferences best." Jia Yucun was secretly delighted upon hearing this, but he feigned concern. He continued, "Brother Lai, while you have the advantage, you still have to be careful of Lin Ruhai. After all, he and Miss Jia have been married for over a decade, and they have a daughter together. They have a deep bond." Lai Shangrong nodded in agreement and pressed on, "Brother Jia, how can I make Jia Min completely give up on Lin Ruhai?" Jia Yucun feigned deep thought for a moment before slowly saying, "Lin Ruhai is a scholar. He and Jia Min were so harmonious back then, so he must be well-read. For such a man, reputation is paramount. If we can destroy his reputation within the Imperial Academy, then Jia Min will naturally lose her attachment to him."

"When you return to the capital, all you need to do is spread the rumor that Lin Ruhai is fickle and abandoned his pregnant wife. Common people love to hear gossip from the powerful, and they will spread it with every ounce of truth, regardless of whether it's true or not. By then, even if Lin Ruhai wants to defend himself, it will be useless. After all, three people make a tiger. And as a man, abandoning his wife would be a great disgrace to him and would ruin his reputation."

Lai Shangrong nodded repeatedly, secretly congratulating himself on finding such a clever, witty, and experienced strategist. He flattered her, "I'll follow Brother Jia's instructions. Let's have a drink." The three of them drank and discussed their next plan of action, and before they knew it, they were already drunk.

They all loved to have fun, and it was especially difficult to control themselves in such a relaxed atmosphere. At Jia Yucun's repeated invitations, the three of them began to enjoy this rare time to the fullest. They gambled, drank, and enjoyed song and dance performances until late at night.

The next morning, as sunlight streamed through the window, Lai Shangrong slowly awoke. He felt a nagging headache, but his mood was remarkably good. Last night's revelry had temporarily made him forget his troubles and filled him with anticipation for the future.

However, despite being a little tired, Lai Shangrong knew that time was running out and he could not delay any longer. So he and Leng Zixing packed their bags and prepared to set off back to the capital.